Investigating how ultra-processed foods affect brain reward and metabolism
Official title: Ultra-processed food reward: neural and metabolic factors
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11018596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ultra-processed foods, which are common in many diets, affect our brains and bodies, especially in relation to cravings and overeating, to help understand why some people struggle with weight and health issues like diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,245 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132389-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who consume a high proportion of ultra-processed foods and may be struggling with weight management or related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who primarily consume whole, minimally processed foods or those without concerns related to weight or metabolic health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of ultra-processed foods on brain reward systems and metabolic responses. It aims to understand how these foods, which make up a significant portion of the American diet, influence consumption patterns and contribute to health issues like obesity and diabetes. By examining the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms involved, the study seeks to identify individual factors that may lead to overconsumption. Participants may undergo assessments of brain activity in response to different types of food stimuli to uncover the underlying reasons for cravings and addiction-like behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help individuals reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods, potentially improving health outcomes related to obesity and metabolic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of food reward can lead to effective strategies for managing dietary habits, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Difeliceantonio, Alexandra Gold — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Difeliceantonio, Alexandra Gold
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.